Your multimeter is arguably the most important tool you own as an electrician. It's your safety net, diagnostic tool, and troubleshooting companion all in one. We spent 3 months testing the 7 best multimeters for electricians in real-world conditions to help you make the right choice.
Why Your Multimeter Matters
Before we dive into reviews, let's talk about why this purchase matters. Your multimeter is:
- Your primary safety tool - Verifying circuits are de-energized before work
- Your diagnostic tool - Finding opens, shorts, and ground faults
- Your verification tool - Confirming your work is correct
- Your troubleshooting companion - Tracking down problems in existing systems
The difference between a $50 meter and a $200 meter isn't just accuracy—it's durability, safety ratings, and features that make your job easier. A quality multimeter will last your entire career.
Best Overall: Fluke 117
Fluke 117 True RMS Multimeter
Pros
- • True RMS for accurate readings on non-linear loads
- • AutoVolt for automatic AC/DC selection
- • VoltAlert for non-contact voltage detection
- • CAT III 600V safety rated
- • Large, easy-to-read display with backlight
- • Rugged, drop-tested construction
Cons
- • Higher price point than budget options
- • Basic clamp functionality requires separate accessory
The Fluke 117 is the industry standard for a reason. It's the meter you'll see in most journeymen's tool bags, and for good reason—it just works, every time, for years.
True RMS (Root Mean Square) readings are essential for modern electrical work. With VFDs, LED drivers, and other non-linear loads everywhere, a non-True RMS meter will give you inaccurate readings. The 117's AutoVolt feature automatically selects AC or DC voltage, reducing the chance of selecting the wrong setting.
Best Budget: Klein MM400
Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter
Pros
- • Excellent value for features offered
- • Auto-ranging for easy operation
- • Temperature measurement included
- • CAT III 600V rated
- • Includes test leads and batteries
- • Klein quality and warranty
Cons
- • Not True RMS (less accurate on VFDs, LEDs)
- • Smaller display than Fluke
- • Less durable long-term
For first-year apprentices on a budget, the Klein MM400 is the best value you'll find. It's not True RMS, which means less accuracy on some modern loads, but for basic electrical work—voltage, continuity, resistance—it's excellent.
Klein's reputation for quality hand tools extends to their meters. The MM400 is well-built for its price point and includes useful features like temperature measurement. Most apprentices start with this meter and upgrade to a Fluke after their second or third year.
Best Professional Grade: Fluke 87V
Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter
Pros
- • Best-in-class accuracy (0.05% DC voltage)
- • True RMS on voltage AND current
- • Frequency and duty cycle measurement
- • Min/Max/Average recording
- • Works in extreme temperatures
- • CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V rated
- • Lifetime warranty (with registration)
Cons
- • Expensive for most apprentices
- • Overkill for basic residential work
The Fluke 87V is the gold standard for professional electricians, especially those doing industrial or commercial work. It's significantly more accurate than the 117, with features specifically designed for motor troubleshooting and complex diagnostics.
The 87V excels at capturing intermittent problems with its Min/Max recording function. It can operate in extreme temperatures (-40°F to 131°F) and has enhanced safety ratings for higher voltage environments.
Best Clamp Meters
Clamp meters combine a multimeter with current measurement jaws, letting you measure current without breaking the circuit. Essential for troubleshooting motors, checking loads, and verifying breaker capacity.
Best Budget Clamp: Fluke 323
Fluke 323 True RMS Clamp Meter
Pros
- • True RMS current and voltage
- • 400A AC current range
- • Compact jaw fits in tight panels
- • Simple, reliable operation
- • Fluke quality and durability
Cons
- • AC current only (no DC)
- • Basic feature set
- • No min/max recording
Best Professional Clamp: Klein CL800
Klein Tools CL800 Digital Clamp Meter
Pros
- • True RMS for accurate readings
- • AC/DC current measurement
- • 600A current range
- • Temperature function included
- • Low impedance (LoZ) mode
- • Excellent value for features
Cons
- • Larger jaw than Fluke 323
- • Less durable long-term than Fluke
The Klein CL800 offers remarkable value. It includes DC current measurement, which the Fluke 323 lacks, plus a temperature function and LoZ mode for detecting ghost voltages. For many electricians, it's the better choice despite the lower price.
Comparison Chart
| Model | True RMS | CAT Rating | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluke 117 | ✓ | III 600V | Best Overall | $185 |
| Klein MM400 | ✗ | III 600V | Budget Pick | $70 |
| Klein MM700 | ✓ | IV 600V | Mid-Range | $130 |
| Fluke 87V | ✓ | IV 600V | Industrial | $425 |
| Fluke 323 | ✓ | III 600V | Clamp Meter | $160 |
| Klein CL800 | ✓ | III 600V | Value Clamp | $110 |
Buying Guide: What to Look For
1. CAT Ratings (Safety)
CAT (Category) ratings indicate the meter's safety level for different environments:
- CAT II - Household outlets, portable equipment
- CAT III - Building distribution, fixed equipment (most electrical work)
- CAT IV - Utility connections, outdoor conductors, main service entrance
For most electricians, CAT III 600V is the minimum. Industrial electricians should consider CAT IV for work near main service equipment.
2. True RMS vs Standard
True RMS meters cost more but provide accurate readings on distorted waveforms from:
- Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
- LED lighting
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Any electronic loads
If you work in commercial or industrial settings, True RMS is essential. For purely residential work with incandescent and basic loads, standard meters work fine.
3. Essential Features
- Auto-ranging - Automatically selects the measurement range
- Backlight - Essential for dark panels and attics
- Continuity beeper - Audible confirmation for checking circuits
- Hold function - Freezes the display for reading in awkward positions
4. Nice-to-Have Features
- Non-contact voltage detection - Built into Fluke 117
- Temperature measurement - Useful for HVAC and motor work
- Min/Max recording - Captures intermittent problems
- LoZ (Low Impedance) mode - Eliminates ghost voltage readings
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best multimeter for a first-year electrician apprentice?
The Klein MM400 ($70) is the best starting point. It's reliable, accurate for basic work, and won't break the bank. Plan to upgrade to a Fluke 117 after your first or second year when you better understand what features you need.
Is the Fluke 117 worth the extra money over the Klein MM400?
For journeymen and serious apprentices, yes. True RMS accuracy, better durability, the VoltAlert feature, and superior build quality justify the cost. The 117 will likely be your last multimeter purchase.
Do I need a separate clamp meter?
Not necessarily for your first year. A clamp meter is useful for measuring current without breaking circuits, but you can get by with a standard multimeter initially. Consider adding one in your second or third year, especially if you do motor or HVAC work.
Why shouldn't I buy a cheap multimeter?
Your multimeter is safety equipment. A faulty meter showing a live circuit as dead can kill you. Cheap meters often have inadequate input protection, unreliable readings, and poor build quality. The $100-200 difference between a cheap meter and a quality Fluke or Klein is nothing compared to your safety.
Fluke vs Klein: Which brand is better?
Fluke is generally considered the gold standard for accuracy and durability, especially for their higher-end models. Klein offers excellent value and is better for budget-conscious buyers. Many electricians use Klein hand tools with Fluke meters.
How long should a quality multimeter last?
A well-maintained Fluke multimeter should last 15-20 years or more. Many electricians are still using Fluke meters from the 1990s. Klein meters typically last 5-10 years with regular use. Always replace your meter if it shows signs of damage or erratic readings.
Our Recommendations
Fluke 117 ($185) - The industry standard. If you buy one multimeter for your career, this is it.
Klein MM400 ($70) - Perfect for first-year apprentices. Reliable and affordable.
Fluke 87V ($425) - For industrial electricians and those who need maximum accuracy and features.
Klein CL800 ($110) - Best value clamp meter with True RMS and DC current measurement.